Two Goals Midway through Second Half Send Pirates past Bearcats, 2-0

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SPOKANE, WASH. -- Whitworth University defeated Willamette University, 2-0, in a Northwest Conference game on Sunday, Sept. 16 at the Whitworth Soccer Field. The game was scoreless until the Pirates recorded two goals in 3:35 midway through the second half.

Amy Sterk scored the first goal for Whitworth at 63:15 when she headed the ball into the net after Carly Schilperoort took a corner kick.

The second goal was scored by Tiara Pajimola at 66:50 when she attempted to cross the ball from the right side into the penalty area. Her pass was off target but sailed into the goal instead, just over the hands of Willamette goalkeeper Nicole Price (Jr., Auburn, WA/Thomas Jefferson HS).

With the win, the Pirates upped their record to 3-4 on the season, 3-0 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette fell to 3-4 overall, including 1-2 in the NWC. The Bearcats have played all three NWC contests on the road.

Whitworth outshot the Bearcats 17-14 overall and 7-3 in shots on goal. The Pirates gained a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks. Both teams had two corners in the second half.

Andrea Stump of Whitworth earned three saves in goal. Price contributed five saves for the Bearcats.

Four of Willamette shots were achieved after Whitworth took a 2-0 lead. Jill Phillips (Fr., MF, Fairbanks, AK/West Valley HS) took one of the shots at 79:27 and almost scored, as her effort hit the crossbar. Willamette's final shot was provided by Ariel Wilson (Sr., MF, Fort Collins, CO/Poudre HS) at 88:17, as she forced Stump to make a save.

The Bearcats will host long-time NWC rival University of Puget Sound on Sunday, Sept. 23. Game time at Sparks Field in Salem, Ore., is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).